95 



introduced to Europe in 1818. This species is more hardy than any 

 other of the family, as far as is known, and will thrive in any part of 

 Australia where the frosts are not severe. It is very prolific, bears large 

 and certain crops from an early age, the fruit being deep purple berries 

 about an inch long having a pleasant sub-acid flavour which is peculiarly 

 their own. The fruit is cooling and refreshing when eaten fresh, and 

 furnishes a very popular jelly which is greatly in demand- This kind 

 will, under favourable conditions, attain a height of from twelve to 

 fifteen feet, but its growth is somewhat slow, and for some years after tt- 

 is planted this species may be classed as a shrub. It will bear freely 

 from the height of two feet upwards, and its bright green foliage and 

 compact habit of growth are strong recommendations as an ornamental 

 plant for the pleasure garden. 



Psidium pyriferiuiL is the 

 Yellow or White Guava, a species 

 highly prized in the west Indies 

 and other tropical countries, where 

 its fruit is largely used fresh and 

 for jelly. It is, however not 

 sufficiently hardy for cultivation 

 except in the warmer parts of 

 Australia, and it thrives well in 

 'Queensland and the northern coast 

 districts of New South Wales and 



the Northern Territory. The fruit Yellow Guava. 



is about the size of a hen's egg, 



and the pulp varies in colour from cream to reddish according to the 

 variety. 



Psidium pomiferum (the Apple or Red Guava) has a fruit somewhat 

 similar in size and shape to the Pomegranate, with reddish flesh and a 

 very sharp acid pulp which renders it unfit for the dessert, though it is 

 excellent when made into jelly. This species is too tender for cultivation 

 except in the warmer parts of Australia. Both this and the previously 

 mentioned species attain the height of from fifteen to twenty feet. 



Possibly many other species of Guava will be found suitable for 

 cultivation in Australasia and deserving of attention. Several are 

 commended by Baron von Mueller in his work, " Select Extra-Tropical 

 Plants." They are as follows : 



Psidium acid-urn. A native of the higher regions of the Amazon in 

 South America. Fruit pale yellow, the size of a small Apple. Attains a 

 height of about thirty feet. 



Psidium Arcica. -Extending from the West Indies to Southern Brazil 

 and Peru, and found in high and dry localities. Fruit greenish-yellow, 

 and of high quality. 



Psidium rboreum. A Brazilian species with highly flavoured fruit the 

 size of a large Cherry. 



Psidium chrysophyllum. A South Brazilian species known in its 

 native country under the name of Gaabiroba do Mato. Fruit the size of 

 a small Cherry, and tree attains a height of about thirty feet. 



